Urban Planning & Infrastructure

Article Jun 17, 2026

InfraWorks + Civil 3D + InfoDrainage: A Three-Stage Workflow for Urban Drainage Simulation

Autodesk's integrated InfraWorks–Civil 3D–InfoDrainage workflow creates a continuous, bi-directional data pipeline for urban stormwater design—from watershed reconnaissance and pipe network layout through coupled 1D/2D hydraulic analysis and regulatory reporting. This article walks through each stage, covering key tools, data exchange formats, and practical recommendations for infrastructure engineers.

By Jeff 39 views

Article May 25, 2026

OpenDriveMap + VISSIM Co-Simulation: Modeling Pedestrian-Vehicle Conflict Zones in Urban Intersections

Combining ASAM OpenDRIVE's lane-level road geometry with PTV VISSIM's microscopic Social Force Model enables engineers to quantify pedestrian-vehicle conflict risk at complex urban intersections. This article walks through the full workflow—from OpenDRIVE import and pedestrian area configuration to Post-Encroachment Time extraction and countermeasure evaluation—providing a reproducible framework for safety analysis before construction begins.

By Jeff 69 views

Article May 1, 2026

UrbanSim Land Use Forecasting: Calibrating Parcel-Level Development Models for Long-Range Planning

UrbanSim's Real Estate Development Model (REDM) enables planners to simulate parcel-level land use change using econometric choice models calibrated against historical permit data. This article walks through the full calibration workflow—from assembling training data to spatial validation—and covers integration with regional travel demand models for credible long-range forecasts.

By Jeff 86 views

Article Mar 27, 2026

SWMM Low Impact Development Controls: Modeling Green Infrastructure for Urban Stormwater Management

EPA's Storm Water Management Model (SWMM) provides sophisticated Low Impact Development (LID) controls that enable engineers to simulate green infrastructure performance with multi-layer hydrologic modeling, detailed calibration capabilities, and integrated water quality analysis for urban stormwater management.

By Jeff 142 views

Article Mar 20, 2026

MATSim Multi-Agent Evacuation Modeling: Simulating Large-Scale Emergency Response

MATSim's agent-based evacuation modeling enables emergency planners to simulate large-scale disaster evacuations with unprecedented detail, capturing individual decision-making, network bottlenecks, and contraflow operations to optimize clearance times and save lives.

By Jeff 46 views

Article Feb 6, 2026

EPANET Pressure Management: Optimizing Water Distribution Networks Through Hydraulic Simulation

EPANET's advanced pressure management capabilities enable water utilities to reduce leakage, extend infrastructure life, and improve service reliability through hydraulic simulation and strategic control valve placement.

By Jeff 67 views

Article Dec 26, 2025

SUMO Traffic Light Optimization: Adaptive Signal Control for Urban Networks

SUMO's traffic light optimization capabilities enable cities to implement adaptive signal control strategies, coordinate arterial systems, and validate performance through simulation before real-world deployment, transforming traffic management into a data-driven discipline.

By Jeff 63 views

Article Dec 2, 2025

CityScope: Interactive Urban Planning and Smart City Simulation Platform

CityScope, developed by MIT Media Lab's City Science group, is a revolutionary interactive platform that transforms urban planning through tangible interfaces, real-time simulation, and participatory design, making complex urban data accessible to all stakeholders.

By Jeff 231 views